Seoul official optimistic about efforts to avoid U.S. auto tariffs

SEOUL, Oct. 1 (Yonhap) -- A South Korean official on Monday voiced optimism about Seoul's ongoing efforts to get exemption from possible U.S. tariffs on imported cars, citing the two countries' long-standing security alliance and Korean firms' contributions to American jobs.

The official at the foreign ministry made the remarks amid concerns that South Korean cars could be a potential target of U.S. duties under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act based on national security grounds.

"We have frequently conveyed our clear position to the U.S. through our outreach to the (U.S.) administration, Congress and the industry. Having said this, (I) think there will be good results," he told reporters on condition of anonymity.

"Some have raised the issue of whether South Korean auto exports will impact U.S. security given that there is no stronger alliance relationship than the South Korea-U.S. alliance," he added.

He went on to note that around half of the cars Korean firms sell to the United States are produced in the country, "sufficiently" contributing to American jobs.

The official also said that the foreign ministry will continue to provide diplomatic support for Seoul's pan-government efforts for the tariff exemption.

Seoul official optimistic about efforts to avoid U.S. auto tariffs

SEOUL, Oct. 1 (Yonhap) -- A South Korean official on Monday voiced optimism about Seoul's ongoing efforts to get exemption from possible U.S. tariffs on imported cars, citing the two countries' long-standing security alliance and Korean firms' contributions to American jobs.

The official at the foreign ministry made the remarks amid concerns that South Korean cars could be a potential target of U.S. duties under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act based on national security grounds.

"We have frequently conveyed our clear position to the U.S. through our outreach to the (U.S.) administration, Congress and the industry. Having said this, (I) think there will be good results," he told reporters on condition of anonymity.

"Some have raised the issue of whether South Korean auto exports will impact U.S. security given that there is no stronger alliance relationship than the South Korea-U.S. alliance," he added.

He went on to note that around half of the cars Korean firms sell to the United States are produced in the country, "sufficiently" contributing to American jobs.

The official also said that the foreign ministry will continue to provide diplomatic support for Seoul's pan-government efforts for the tariff exemption.